As we shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of our alumni, we are thrilled to introduce Tracey Mullins, a recent graduate from the Creative and Professional Writing BA (Hons) programme at the University of Roehampton. In this feature, Tracey reflects on her time at the university, her experiences as a mature student, and how her degree has shaped her professional path as a freelance non-fiction writer.
Why did you choose to study your particular degree, and why at Roehampton?
Having attended playwriting courses at the National Theatre, I then decided that my own writing would be further enhanced by studying a BA in Creative Writing. I chose Roehampton because it’s close to my home (my daughter was completing her ‘A’ levels); it has a great library and a beautiful campus; and because Dr. Tim Atkins persuaded me that he could get me through the poetry module (he did!).
What did you enjoy most about your time at the University?
As a mature student, I was concerned that I would struggle to fit in with my younger peer group. My fears were unfounded, and I enjoyed sharing our work and learning how to improve our writing together. The tutorials and lectures were interesting and challenging, and the lecturers were engaging and supportive.
What was the best aspect of your degree at Roehampton?
I hadn’t considered studying screenwriting, but I particularly enjoyed this module—especially the table reads—and the opportunity to write a full-length screenplay. Reading a variety of fiction was also a highlight. I discovered new ways of looking at the world through our discussions about books.
Can you tell me about any activities or projects you were involved in through your degree?
Contributing short stories to the Roehampton Anthology – The Rook – was a highlight, especially seeing it published as a book with my name on the cover.
What are you doing now, and what kind of skills/knowledge did you gain through your degree which is helping you in your current role?
I’m a freelance non-fiction writer. My goal is to use the skills I’ve honed as a storyteller, during my studies, to produce my own creative work. In July – due to my connection with Roehampton – I was a judge for the Bitesize Festival at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. I saw twenty-two short plays, and at the end of the month-long festival, I helped to decide which ones were the best. The critical thinking skills I enhanced during my degree helped me to articulate my ideas and opinions about the plays during the judging process.
Do you have any tips for current Roehampton students, studying a similar degree to you?
Read widely as this improves your own writing, helps you to compare and contrast other people’s work, and can act as a source of ideas for your own projects. Attend the lectures – engaging with other people sparks ideas. Writers cannot exist in a vacuum.
Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently when you were at University?
I would’ve started my assignments as soon as I’d received them (ha ha!)—even if this meant just jotting down ideas about how to tackle them. Also, I would’ve filed my assignments at least 30 minutes before the deadline – any later is just too stressful! (As I discovered).
What have been your career highlights so far?
During the development of my creative work, a highlight was the reading of my ten-minute play—a response to the play Network—by two actors at the National Theatre. Using my professional writing skills to draft factual content for the media, articles, and speeches has given me a long career in PR working mainly for public bodies. A highlight was working for the British Film Institute and promoting its work.
Tracey’s story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and expand your creative horizons. We are proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing her future work!
To learn more about our English and Creative Writing programmes please visit here.